Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Radio Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced opening of new gas connections for domestic consumers.
He was addressing a ceremony related to resumption of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) connections to domestic consumers in Islamabad on Sunday.
He said the government made the decision in response to a long-standing public demand.
The Prime Minister recalled that in 2022 there was immense public pressure for gas connections, but the government was facing challenges.
He emphasized that with this historic decision, the public will now be able to access affordable and quality fuel.
In a video message played during the ceremony, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government is committed to providing maximum facilities to the public.
He said Sui Northern Gas Company made a profit of Rs 29 billion during the last fiscal year.
Read: Government paves way for new RLNG connections
Earlier, Federal Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik reviewed a comprehensive implementation plan to provide Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to domestic consumers.
To ensure effective supervision and timely execution of this huge public welfare project, the minister directed immediate creation of a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) at both SNGPL and SSGCL.
These offices, he said, will be responsible for closely monitoring the entire process, from application to connection, ensuring that objectives are met and that any public complaints are addressed promptly.
In a big relief to consumers who have been waiting for connections, it was also decided that applicants who have already paid demand note can now submit the differential amount along with security fee to be eligible for an RLNG connection under this new initiative.
During the meeting, managing directors of SNGPL and SSGCL presented a detailed strategy for effective implementation of the government directive, a press release said.
They informed the minister that an ambitious target of providing new domestic RLNG connections will be set within the first year.
To ensure maximum public facilitation and transparency, the connection application process will be significantly simplified.
Consumers will be able to apply online through the official websites and mobile applications of Sui companies, in addition to the traditional method of applying at their local offices.
The minister directed the management of both gas companies to formulate a robust and consumer-friendly mechanism to ensure smooth facilitation to the public.
He highlighted that this initiative is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s priority to meet the growing public demand for clean and affordable energy.
“This measure is being taken to meet long-standing public demand for new national gas connections to be provided,” the Minister said.
